alphabet · salad

Went to a lecture by the Grand Mufti of Egypt today. I was contemplating not going because I was really busy (lectures all day) but I'm really glad I decided to go in the end. He spoke Arabic (really clear fusHa) the whole time, and I was so excited that I could understand some of what he was saying. Unfortunately had to leave early for regular lectures starting at 2:00.

Really tired because of squash matches this week - not that they are physically strenuous, but the whole enterprise just takes ages... usually don't get done until 11:00. Hoping to get to bed early tonight.

It's also really cold all of a sudden. My room is freezing (must be the mediaeval windows), so I've had to put on extra clothing and get out the spare duvet cover at night, which is really annoying.

New favourite inspirational quote:

"Confront the problem! Go! Fight! Win!"

-Edna Mode, The Incredibles

Saw A Prayer for Owen Meany this weekend. The acting was excellent but the script itself wasn't great - it cut out too many of the important themes and details.

Also, the Concerto Competition was yesterday. I didn't win, but then again I wasn't really expecting anything. In any case, I enjoyed a nice holiday from the Music Building this afternoon.

First day of interschols. Lost my first match but won the second fairly easily, and must win my first match tomorrow if I am to stay in the competition, and also because it will be one of my very last matches on the Exeter team.

The Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet concert was fantastic, even though I didn't recognize any of the pieces (not surprising, really). The musicians all listened to each other so well that they might as well have been a single instrument.

Mountains of work and practicing to do this week, but then it's only another seven days before break. Can't wait.

Faculty Follies was yesterday, and it was brilliant. I had a bit of trouble recognizing some of the people on stage because the costumes were so ridiculous. All the teachers cam to Assembly, for once, which I found rather amusing.

Going to a concert tomorrow night - the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet are playing at UNH. The school is buying all the tickets and providing transportation, which is amazing. Really looking forward to it.